Austrian-born Felix Baumgartner set a new world record on July 31, 2003 when he became the first person to cross the English Channel with a carbon wing. From 30,000 feet (9,144 meters), Felix soared 22 miles (35 km) across the entire stretch of water between England and France, hitting a top speed of 220 mph. Felix is also the pilot for the (recently delayed) Red Bull Stratos project; their mission is to set a new freefall record from the edge of space – 120,000 feet (36,576 meters)!

Taking this stunt a step further, Yves Rossy became the first person to cross the English Channel in a jet-powered wing.